[ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN
Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico/Florida Bay in Key Largo, along the Florida Keys, the oceanfront, all-inclusive, adults-only Bungalows Key Largo sits on 11.5 lushly landscaped acres. With only 135 bungalow accommodations, it’s ideal for small incentive groups seeking a serene, stress-free experience wrapped in wellness and laid-back luxury.
“Planners can buy out the entire resort during certain times of the year, and if they do not want a full buyout, groups can book up to 60 bungalows July 5-Dec. 20, Sunday to Wednesday nights,” says Taylor Bishop, the resort’s sales and marketing coordinator.
With its tropical island vibe, the resort, located a 1.5-hour drive south of Miami International Airport, is made for destressing with bungalows set amidst tall palm trees and pathways with no vehicle access (save golf carts); 31 bungalows directly face the bay. Groups will delight in the water-focused experiences with daily excursions available on the Bungalows Key Largo fleet, which include catamarans for groups up to 80 for a sunset sail experience as well as other vessels that offer adventures like an Everglades eco-tour (at an extra cost). There are also stand-up paddleboards, water trikes (bikes), kayaks as well as snorkeling trips available as part of the all-inclusive experience.
Adding to the stress-free ambiance is the Zen Garden Spa, offering a myriad of treatments for attendees. There are also daily yoga classes as well as a fitness tiki hut with Peloton bikes and other state-of-the-art equipment, all part of the all-inclusive experience. For a private cocktail reception, “the Zen pool at the spa,” says Bishop, “can be used for cocktail receptions for up to 60 guests with hors d’oeuvres and a full stationed bar with high top cocktail tables set up around the pool.”
This all-inclusive resort has a multitude of dining venues, including Sea Señor, serving fresh local seafood and other Mexican-inspired dishes that can be reserved for 60-80 attendees for a plated dinner buyout with pre-set menu or for 30-60 people for a partial buyout after 8 p.m. Locally inspired dishes are served at the casual, all-day dining restaurant Fish Tales. Here, 50-65 attendees can buy out the entire restaurant for a buffet-style or plated dinner with pre-set menu and choice of entree; groups of up to 30 can be seated in tables of two to six throughout the evening and order from the full menu. The Sunset Tiki Bar, meanwhile, serves tasty cocktails as well as salads, burgers, pizzas and a host of other items throughout the day (open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Meals can be enjoyed at the circular bar, at the adjacent water-facing tables or on poolside loungers.
For fine dining there is Bogie and Bacall’s, with an upscale multi-course menu whose main dishes include prime steaks and locally inspired seafood. Here, groups can buy out the entire restaurant, including the adjacent Hemingway Bar, for a happy hour prior to plated dinner for 50-80 guests. Groups of 25-50 can do a partial buyout after 8 p.m. Both options are with a pre-set menu and choice of entree.
“We can work with each group to provide a stay tailored to their needs that includes daily events and activities,” Bishop points out. “Teambuilding activities could include kayak and paddleboard races as well as cornhole tournaments plus daily boat excursions aboard vessels customized to the group’s request.”